Rules in detail: tyres, accidents and heavy vehicle fuel systems

Tyres on a light motor vehicle

What the rule says. A light motor vehicle must be fitted with pneumatic tyres. The tyres must show a pattern that is clearly visible throughout, across the breadth of the tyre and around its entire circumference, and the tread must be at least 1 millimetre deep.

Why it matters. Tread channels water away and grips the road, so a worn tyre is dangerous in the wet.

In practice. Before a long trip, look at each tyre all the way around, not only on the part you can see easily. If the pattern has worn away on any part of the circumference or the tread is below 1 millimetre, the tyre does not comply.

Key idea: Light vehicle tyres must be pneumatic, with a visible pattern all round and at least 1 millimetre of tread.

Tyres on a motorcycle

What the rule says. You may not ride a motorcycle on a public road if its engine is bigger than 50 cubic centimetres and any tyre does not display a clearly visible pattern across its breadth and around its entire circumference, with a tread of at least 1 millimetre. You may not ride a motorcycle with an engine of 50 cubic centimetres or less if its pneumatic tyre does not show a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread at any position. You may also not ride a motorcycle that is fitted with a retreaded tyre.

Why it matters. Two wheels depend heavily on tyre grip.

In practice. Check both tyres before riding, and do not ride if either one is a retreaded tyre.

Key idea: Over 50 cubic centimetres: at least 1 millimetre of tread; 50 cubic centimetres or less: pattern over at least 80 percent of the width; no retreaded tyres.

Accidents: stop, help and check

What the rule says. A driver or rider of a motor vehicle who is involved in an accident, or who contributes to one, must immediately stop the vehicle. The driver must ascertain the nature and extent of any injuries, render such assistance to an injured person as he or she is capable of rendering, and ascertain the nature and extent of any damage sustained.

Why it matters. Stopping at once means help can be given quickly and nobody is left without assistance.

In practice. After a collision, stop right away, see who is hurt, give the help you are able to give, and then look at the damage to the vehicles.

Key idea: After an accident, stop immediately, check injuries, help where you can and check the damage.

Accidents: giving details and reporting

What the rule says. If a person with reasonable grounds asks, you must give your name and address, the name and address of the owner of your vehicle, and the registration number of the vehicle. If you have not already given these details to a traffic officer at the scene, you must report the accident at a police station within 24 hours and give any further information required of you.

Why it matters. The report ensures every accident is recorded even if no officer was present.

In practice. If no traffic officer came to the scene and you only exchanged details with the other driver, you still need to go to a police station within 24 hours if you did not already furnish the information to an officer.

Key idea: Give your details on request, and report to a police station within 24 hours if you did not give them to an officer.

Accidents: moving vehicles

What the rule says. If a person has been killed or injured in an accident and the accident causes a complete obstruction of the roadway, no vehicle may be moved from where it came to rest unless its position has been clearly marked on the road surface by the person moving it, or a traffic officer has authorised the removal. The driver or owner of a vehicle damaged in a collision must give permission before it can be removed from the scene.

Why it matters. Marking the position preserves evidence of how the accident happened.

In practice. Where someone is injured and the road is completely blocked, do not simply push the cars aside; mark where each stopped or wait for an officer's authorisation.

Key idea: With injuries and a blocked road, mark the vehicle's position or get an officer's authority before moving it.

Fuel tank, wiring and battery of heavy vehicles

What the rule says. A heavy motor vehicle (code 3, our app's code10) may not be used on a public road if its fuel tank, carburettor, fuel receptacle or fuel pipes are defective, or so exposed that they are a source of danger. It may not be used if the fuel tank is not fitted with an effective cap. It may also not be used unless the electrical wiring and battery are properly installed, insulated and maintained so that they are not a source of danger.

Why it matters. Leaking fuel or sparking wiring on a large vehicle can start a serious fire.

In practice. A truck with a missing fuel cap or a badly insulated battery must be repaired before it goes on a public road.

Key idea: A heavy vehicle needs a sound fuel system with an effective cap, and safe, insulated wiring and battery.

Quick recap

• Light vehicle tyres: pneumatic, visible pattern across the breadth and around the circumference, at least 1 millimetre tread
• Motorcycle over 50 cubic centimetres: at least 1 millimetre of tread on every tyre
• Motorcycle up to 50 cubic centimetres: pattern visible over at least 80 percent of the tread width
• After an accident: stop immediately, check injuries, help, check damage
• Report an accident to a police station within 24 hours if you did not give details to an officer
• A heavy vehicle's fuel tank needs an effective cap and its wiring and battery must be safe